Species › Plants › Mountain Avens

Mountain Avens

Dryas octopetala

CommonPlant
Illustration of Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala)

Mountain Avens is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with white, daisy-like flowers. It is a pioneer species in alpine and arctic environments, often forming mats that stabilize soil.

Habitat
Found in alpine and arctic tundra, often on rocky or gravelly soils.
Diet
Provides nectar for pollinators and habitat for small wildlife.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Mountain Avens

The best time to see a Mountain Avens is June–July, when about 75% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,237 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Mountain Avens? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Mountain Avens sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spotted a Mountain Avens?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More plants

Mountain Bog Gentian
Mountain Bog Gentian
Gentiana calycosa
Mountain Death Camas
Mountain Death Camas
Anticlea elegans
Mountain Hemlock
Mountain Hemlock
Tsuga mertensiana
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Mountain Pennyroyal
Mountain Pennyroyal
Monardella odoratissima
Mountain Wood Sorrel
Mountain Wood Sorrel
Oxalis montana
Mule's Ears
Mule's Ears
Wyethia amplexicaulis
Multiflora Rose
Multiflora Rose
Rosa multiflora